What Every Parent Needs to Know About Myopia in Kids: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
- LH Manage
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we understand that your child’s vision is essential for their growth, learning, and overall well-being. Myopia or nearsightedness, is a common condition affecting children today, and as your trusted eye care provider, we’re here to help you understand its causes, risks, and solutions.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the global prevalence of myopia is projected to increase from 27% in 2010 to 52% by 2050, affecting approximately 4.949 billion people. Additionally, high myopia is expected to impact around 10% of the world's population, or about 925 million individuals, by 2050.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It often develops during childhood and tends to progress as kids grow.
What Causes Myopia in Kids?
Genetics - If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia.
Excessive Near Work - Prolonged close-up tasks, like screen use or reading, can strain eyes and increase myopia risk.
Lack of Outdoor Time - Spending less time outdoors in natural light is linked to higher myopia progression.
Modern Lifestyles - Increased use of digital devices results in near stress and contributes to myopia progression
What Are the Risks of Myopia?
While mild myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, progressive or high myopia can lead to serious complications, such as:
Retinal Detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Macular Degeneration
How Can Parents Help? Solutions for Managing Myopia
Encourage Outdoor Play - Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor time daily. Natural light helps regulate eye growth and reduce myopia progression.
Monitor Screen Time - Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
Regular Eye Exams - Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams to detect myopia risk early, monitor its progression, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Consider Myopia Management Options - Advanced treatments can slow myopia progression, including:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose drops that slow eye growth.
Specialized Glasses or Contact Lenses: Designed to control myopia progression.
Promote Good Visual Habits - Teach kids to maintain a proper reading distance (about 30-40 cm) and take regular breaks from close-up tasks.
LivingHope Vision Clinic: Your Partner in Myopia Management
At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we help parents protect their children’s vision with personalized care, advanced technology, and expert guidance.
Book your child’s comprehensive eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic and learn more about our myopia management programs.
Act Now! Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen!
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